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Throughout South Asian Heritage Month, we have been sharing weekly spotlights featuring NLFT colleagues of South Asian heritage. This week we speak to Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT) Coordinator, Sheetal Onyeachie. 

How long have you been involved with the Trust? Just over seven years

Tell us a bit about your role: As a team coordinator I work with a team from a range of backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures and it gives me a great joy to be working with the team. 

The theme for South Asian Heritage Month is "Unity in Diversity." Tell us a bit about your South Asian Heritage:

Growing up, I have been exposed to a blend of cultures through my family, including Indian traditions, values, food and celebrations which have helped me develop a strong appreciation for my heritage. My father was born in India, while my mother is originally from Nakura in Kenya. I have visited India several times and have travelled to Delhi and Jaipur, experiences that have allowed me to connect more deeply with my family’s root and gain a greater understanding of the country’s rich culture and history.

I have not yet had the opportunity to visit kenya, it remains an important part on my family’s story, and I would love to visit one day to learn more about my grandfather’s birthplace and explore that side of the heritage. Overall, my family’s history has given me an appreciation for cultural diversity, resilience and the importance of family and community

Being of South Asian heritage, how do you feel this has affected your role?

Being of South Asian heritage has given me a broader perspective and helped me to appreciate different cultures and ways of working. I believe it has strengthened my ability to work with diverse colleagues. I have not felt it has limited my ability to perform my role and I have always focused on treating everyone with respect and professionalism. I do not feel my South Asian heritage has significantly affected my ability to carry out my role. My focus has always been on delivering high quality work, collaborating effectively with colleagues and treating everyone fairly. However, I value bringing my cultural background to the workplace as it contributes to diversity and understanding

Do you think there is enough knowledge and appreciation of South Asian culture in Britain? What changes would you like to see? 

I think awareness and appreciation of South Asian culture in Britain has improved significantly over the years. Many aspects of South Asian culture, such as food, music, festivals and contributions to British society, are widely recognised and celebrated. However, I believe there is still room for greater understanding of the diversity within South Asian communities and the different culture, languages, religions and traditions they encompass.

Where did you begin your journey in mental health services? 

I joined the trust in 2019 as a bank admin helping with procurement for the SMT office. This was challenging as I never did any invoicing before I started. In 2020, I successfully got appointed for the SCFT Team coordinator role.

Favourite city or place in South Asia? 

Jaipur which is the capital of Rajasthan in India is a beautiful place. It is known as the Pink City because many building in the old city are painted pink. Jaipur is a vibrant cultural place that host colourful fairs, festivals and traditional crafts such as jewellery enamel work, marble craving and textiles.

Favourite South Asian food or cuisine? 

I love a pav Bhaji it is a popular Mumbai street food prepared with a spiced, buttery, mashed vegetable curry called bhaji. The bhaji is prepared with potatoes, cauliflower, green peas, and other vegetables and is served with soft pav buns toasted in butter. It is usually accompanied by chopped onions, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander. Pav Bhaji is a filling and satisfying meal enjoyed across India. 

Favourite South Asian film? 

My favourite film that I can watch repeatedly has to be Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.